System of selective electrical distribution.



C. F. KETTERING & W. A. CHRYST. SYSTEM OF SELECTIVE ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTFON.

APPLICATION HLED NUV. 20, IQIZ.

Patented Jan.2,1917.

4 SHEETS-SHEET I.

C. F. KETTERING & W. A. CHRYST. SYSTEM OF SELECTIVE ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION. APPLICATION FILEU NOV. 20. IBIZ.

( 1,21 1,378. Patented Jan. 2,1317.

4 SHEETS-SHET 3 (messes (I. F. KETI'ERiNG & W A. CHRYST.

SYSTEM OF SELECTIVE ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUHON,

APPLICATION FILED NGV. 20 Will.

4 SHEETS SHEET 4,

UNITED ST.4YIES PATENT OFFICE.

CHARLES F. KETTERING AND \VILLIAM A. GHRYST, 0F DAYTON, OHIO, ASSIGNOR'S TO THE DAYTUN' ENGINEERING LABORATORIES (30., A CORPORATION OF OHIO.

SYSTEM OF SELECTIVE ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION.

Application filed November 213, 1812.

To all whom it may ffenlif'ri'lt.

This invention rclotcs to .lZl imoro'ionizant in clcctrirul syslcnm :iml wqwriziily to that typo oi' systonm cn'iployctl in i-miiimrtion with t'omliltstioii ciig'ioc; r i iirnisliln g' ii! nilion tlicrcio. null for \n'rioilsv otiici' pni PUHQ'S.

Anotln-r object of the prescnt inwotion. iw to proriilc 2! switch. cmlioil 'in; the con trolling, clcinnnts. nntl to prmillu in comlllllltlUl] tlici'civith. latching incclmiiism. \vlicrcliv Hiill controlling clonwnts 22in lic inuinl'iiinml. cithcr inilopcmlcntl or in combinntion. in opcmtinposition.

A Siill i'lirliicr oliji-rl ol the inrciltion iv; to ]H')ViilL rclcnsing' and locking moons. opomlilc rclativc to tin" :iliovc nmncil lrlti'illing nwclminsm :iinl controlling clcmcntx to of tw-t tho role-n50 of tho conirollin 'i' clcmcnts, from thcir lntcln-il position and to look thc some in tlnir inopcrntiro position.

A further object of thc prcscnt invention rcsiilcs in tho non-l construction of tho elc manta roinprising tho rojpcmting Moments of tho switch :inil tlw (ifllli il'illtlOllv tlicrvol.

Further olijoctia rinl mlvantzigcs of the proscnt invcnlion will lw uppurcnt from the following dcscription. with refeicncc to the :n'companying' drawings, wherein :1 proft rrcil form of cmhoiliniont of tin prcscnt ini'cntion is clearly illustrated.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a diagram inatic View of the electrical circuits and connections embodied in one convenient 3 control Specification of Letters Patent.

Paton ted J an. 2, 19.1 7.

Serial No. 732.483.

fmni of tlu pl'vwnl. lllYQlitiOli. Fig. '2 is a from urroyccliw riow of the switch casing :|.+cnil:l v prcl'crnhly embodied in syston'is Miinilnr lo iilUbV ilingronnnaticnlly shown in Fig. .1. Fig. 23 is a View in rear elevation l' tho mrili'lz unit. coiriprising the contact tills lliks um! lipliitll'iiillg plate embodied in lilc l' rm o? tho prcFcnt invention shown in Fig. E. Fig. -l in :1. \iEW of the opposite side of tho unit shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4-, with the latching ilvti-nt zipplicil and thelooking element FlMHHI in position to lock tho detentz. Fig. ii in ll crow; -(OtlUllitl View of the switch casing mail the push lmlton or oontrolling clelililll'S. Ciiiit rivw is taken substantially on tlm iiili' ii of Fig. 9. Fig. 6 illustrates a. inoillliwl f'orin oi the controlling element; for tlw vibrating #:pnrk system. Figs. T and 7 mm elclilii views of one of the Contact li w-ro on! oi tho reinforcing element re- :oii-vliiviv. Figs. 8 and 8 illustrate one of the voim'olling clcmcnts in various posiliHlH. Figs. J and H" on: fragmentary views of ilwisnih'li casing showing the releasing :Hlli latching clcmcnt in different positions. l ig. U is a pvrs mctire view of the operatin can] olcincnt of the Ioloasing and latching liuiton. Figs. 10 and l0 illustrate, in portly (Hogan:iimmtio views. the position of tlic iclciising lllli hitchinghntton. relative to NH latching and looking (intent when will lnitton is in its normally open and latched positions. respectively. Fig. 11 is .lcioil \ic\\ ot the contact elements included in the magneto circuit. and the 00- operating binding post connected therewith. Fig. 12 is it view in elevation of the switch assembled. with a. portion of the switch casing lejillg hrolci-n away, so as to clearly show the operation and construction of certain of tlic push button or controlling elements, and thcir relation to the latching (latent, when in open-alive and ino iorzitive positions. It will lie rmdmstood, of course, in this View that certain of the. elements have been omittccl for the sake of clearness. Figs. 13 and l3 are fragmentary views of the switoh casing. similar to Figs. 9 and 9, disclosing the latching and releasing buttons, illpstrated in Figs. 9 and 5?. constituted as a releasing, latching and locking button in the present invention will be seen shown therein, indicating additional open-1 ings which are made necessary for certain embodiments of the switch unit which comprise additional terminals or binding posts.

Referring to the drawings, the present to embody a system of electrical distribution for ignition systems, wherein the source of current may be supplied by an electrical machine, such as a magneto or generator, of either the high or low tension type, or by a constant source of current, such as a battery of any suitable type. i

n combination with the circuit connections hereinafter described, a selective switch is arranged, which comprises novel structure for permitting the selection of various circuit connections, to effect certain functions, either singly or in various coinbinations. Thus the magneto type of ignition which is urnished by the dynamoelectric-inachine, and the single spark relay type of battery ignition, may be brought into operation to furnish ignition for the engine, inde endently of each other, by the operation 0 independent elements, or concurrently by the substantially simultaneous operation of the independent elements. A still further combined ignition of the magneto type, and of the vibrating spark battery type, may be brought into use by the operation of a. single controlling element, when the arrangement shown in dotted lines in 1, is employed.

Ce ain of the systems originally included in the present application have been divided out. and form the subject matter of the following co-pending divisional applications; Serial No. 94,664, filed May 1, 1916; Serial No. 82,127, filed March 4, 1916; and Serial No. 82,416, filed March 6, 1916. The above description of certain of the combinations, which it is possible to secure by'the employment of the present invention, is not intended many sense as a limitation, inasmuch as various other combinations may be effected, by certain minor changes in the circuit connections and the mechanical structure and arrangement of the switch elements.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 1, there is disclosed a system ition which is of a type known to the tra e as double ignition," that is, wherein separate sources of current, such as a generator or magneto, and a battery of either dry or storage cells, are employed in conjunction with two separate and distinct secapplied thereto' winding 29, around the contacts ondary circuits and sets of spark plugs. In the following description, however, it will be seen that under certain circumstances, it is advisable to bring each source of current into use, concurrently, and because of this fact, the present system embodies a modified structure such as is shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1. It will be further seen that the system in Fig. 1, makes it possible to employ either the magneto ignition independently or in combination with the relay single spark type of battery ignition, or to employ the above type of battery ignition independently; or to bring into use, concurrently, the magneto type of ignition in combination with the vibrating spark type of battery ignition, by the operation of a single controlling button or element. providing the dotted line circuit connections shown in Fig. 1, are employed; or to simply employ the vibrating spark type of ignition independently, if these connections are omitted. In Fig. 1, the numeral 20 indicates a bat' tery of any suitable type, connected with the timing mechanism 25, by means of the wire 24; said inner being grounded at 26. This side of the battery circuit also embodies the induction coil 22, having the usual primary and secondary windings. The secondary windii'ig of this induction coil is connected with any suitable distributing mechanism preferably of that type shown and described in the patents of Charles F. Kettering, Nos. 1,010,319 and 1,163,092, dated October 8, 1912 and December 7, 1915 res )ectively. The opposite side of the battery rom that just described, has a wire 27 extending to a current interrupter, such as is shown in the cirpending application of Charles F. Kettering, Serial No. 548,921, filed March 12, 1910, and which comprises a heavy winding 28 and the fine winding 29, wound about the core As has been described in the above mentioned patents and applications, the employment of this current interrupter within the battery circuit, permits but a. single sparking impulse to be delivered for each period that the battery circuit is closed, through the operation of the timer 2:). ,'lhis is made possible by shunting the fine wire 30 and 31, which are included in the main circuit.

When the single spark system is brought into operation. by depressing the button 21, the current will flow as follows, upon the timer contacts being closed by the operation of the engine: wire 27, heavy winding 28, contacts 30 and 31, wire 23, contact 38, and button 21, which has ground connection 40.

It will be understood that as soon as the core 32 becomes energized, by the passage of current throughthe heavy winding 28, the armature 33 1S operated in such a manfrom the battery 20,-through nor that the contact devices 31 and 30 are forced apart. This will. of course, break the main circuit and thus give the sl'iarking impulse which induced in the usual manner into the secondary winding; of the indu tion coil. Now, as soon as the main circuit is broken, there will still be a small portion of the current which will pass through the winding 28 and thence through high resist ance winding 29, through the wire 34-. contact elements 35 and 36, wire 37, thh contact element 38 and button to ground connco tion 40, which causes the armature 3?, to he maintained in such position that the contact elements 31 and 30 a re held apart until such a time as the main circuit is broken by the operation of the timer.

The above description clearly sets forth the battery circuit and connections. for sap- Jlying What may be termed, single spark re lav type battery ignition.

Under certain circumstance. it is particularly desirable that exceedingly strong and effecti e ignition he produced temporarily. to meet certain conditions of the engine to which the system is applied. For instance. it is well known in the starting of internal combustion engines. that it is advantageous to use ignition of What is known asihe vibrating coil type, inasmuch as this type of ignition guineratcs or produces a plurality of successive sparks. during each interval that. the main circuit is closed by the operation of the engine timer. The pres ent invention provides means. whereby this type of ignition. that is. the \"dir liua coil type may be brought into opcmlioii. so that the engine to which the ignition is applied. Ina receive the benefit of the vibration coil effect. for starting purposes. soon as the engine assumes its normal running condition. the vibrating spark stein may be cut out of operation and one of the other types of ignition brought into operation. as is set forth hereinafter. It has heretofore been explained thatv the contact plates 35 and 36 are normally closed and arc. in reality. part of the holding coil cireuit $1. In order to secure the vibrating: oil ctieel; from the batter} type of ignition. as is shoun in one cml'a'aliment of the present invention. it is only ncm ssary that the holding coil as be cut out. and the coil 2* our ploved to interm ttently energize the core 32, whi h will. of course, cause the successive oy'icnimg and closing of the batterv eir cuit. throughout each interval that this circuit is eloscd by the engine tinicr. \vhcreliy successive s 'iark impulses will he created in the induction coil. heretofore mentioned.

The operation of the selective switch. to secure the cutting out of the holding coil and the establishing of the buzzer spark or vibrating coil spark circuit. is follows:

The contact plate 36 has an extended portion. so that upon the depression of the button 70. the contact between the plates 35 and am will be broken. and the contact between the point 75, carried by the plate 3H, and the button TU, will be established; the said button being so arranged that it establishes a ground connection with the timer casing 25. Now, as the engine assumes its normal running condition. it is no longer advisable to use ignition of the vibrating spark type. but it will be of great advantage if some type of ignition is employed, whereby the itensity of the spark may be increased. in accordance with the acceleration of the engine. This function. that is, the increasing of the intensity of the spark, in accordance with the acceleration. one common to the magneto or generator type of ignition. inasmuch as the electric machine for creating the current is generally. operated directly by the engine. so that as the engine picks up in speed. the electric machine will corres iondingly accelerate.

The magneto circuit and the controlling elements will now be described.

in the present instance. there is-shown a low tension d vnamo-elcctrie-nnn-hinc 90, l1;l\'lI'|,L' the tinun; mechanlsni 31, which l(ll(l to open and close thc circuit through the contacts 5; and Ii}. lhc contact 52; has a u irc onnection 55. with the primary \vindinn 5U. oi a suitable induction coil. and is also conncclml with the resistance clement 5T. preferably of iron wire. lhc wire 55 extends lo and connects with the conta t plate 5H. which when actuated by depression of the button .iih engages uilh the contact plate (Hi. The rest of this cir uit is com plctcil bv means oi the wires I31 and (32. It,

nili luiu' be seen that the magneto s stem may he brought into operation by simply closing the conta ts 58 and (5!), and as will be explained ln-rcina'i'ter. these contacts ma he held in operative position. by the de prcssion oi' the button 59.

in the phase of the invention just ex; plained above. it may be desirable to automatically bring the magneto into operation, cimcurrentlv with the establishing of the ibrating coil circuit. so that as soon as the engine assumes its normal running, condition. the rfiagncto system will become eil'ective, automati ally, without further opera tion of the independent magneto button 59. In Fig. 1. there is shown in dotted lines, a niodilicd form for :u-eomplishing just this purpose. liv connecting the wires 73 and T4 to the contact; plates 71 and 72 respectively. and to the wires 61 and 55 respectively. it will be possible, upon the operation of the button 70 to open the contacts 35 and 36. and close the contacts 70 and 75, and to also close the contacts 71 and 72, thus of: any suitable contour,

establishing the magneto circuit and main battery circuit, as well as to concurrently open the holding coil circuit, so as to secure the vibrating coil ell'cct.

Under certain circumstances, it may be desirable to so construct the button 70, that it is necessary for the operator to hold the button in depressed position, throughout the period it is desired to secure the vibrating spark cl'lect. As will be explained hereinat'ter, this action is necessary where the button is constructed as shown in Fig. 8, but it will be obvious that a latching effect may be obtained it the button is constructed as shown in detail in Fi 9.

In order to carry out the above mei'uioned and various other functions. which will up pear hereinafter. it is advisable to employ a selective switch of in'iproved and novel me chanical construction. One of the preferred embodiments of this seleetiveswitch capable of carrying out certain of the functions above set forth, will now be described.

Referring particularly to Figs. 2 to 11, the numeral represents an outer casing having an extended shell portion 109, wherein certain of the operating elements are contained. These operating elements comprise a unit structure which is assembled previous to being placed within the switch casino. This unit includes a main sup 'iorting plate 104, having a latching detent element 106, mounted thereon, but capable of oscillatory movement. The detent is resiliently maintained in a certain predetermined position, by means of the spring 107. one end of which is secured to the detent element itself, as at 105, and the other end thereof, secured to a projecting pin 1%, rigidly fastened to the main supporting plate 104. On the opposite face of the main supporting plate 10+, a common contact plate 109 is arranged, which is provided with an arm lltl. which terminates in the resilient contact linger 58, (see Fig. 11), so that the free end thereof may be actuated by the push button plunger element, hereinafter described. This contact plate "is pro vided with a spring binding post 112, otthe type shown in the patent of Charles 1*. Kettering. No. 1.099.771, dated March 10, 1914, and which forms a terminal, for one side of the magneto circuit. The stud of this spring post extends through the contact plate .109 and the supporting plate 104, being insu' lated therefrom, by the insulating washers 114 and the insulating plate 115, which forms a mounting for the contact plate 109, and the finger as. so as to insulate same from the operating button.

Referring to the detail sectional view in Fig. 11, it will be seen that the portion of the stud which passes through the plate 101 is surrouiulcd by a short tubular portion 0 insulation 116, so that while electrical eon nection is established between the binding post and the common contact plate 109. the binding post. will be completely insulated from the supporting plate 10%. At an in termediate point on said plate 109, an additional terminal post 113 is mourned, to which is secured the wire ill, see l ig'. ll, which forms the opposite side of the magneto cir cuit. said binding post being insulatiul from the supporting plate 104. in a manner similar to that in which the l 'nding post 112 is insulated. This spring terminal post 113 forms a securing means for the independent contact element till, which, when actuated as explained hereinafter. cooperatcs with the linger 58, of the. contact plate 10 The free end of this independent contact element ill extends parallel with the finger 55 of the contact plate 109, and is provided with a contact point which in" nori'nally adjacent to but spaced from a conta t point carried by the linger 5B. In order to prevent the dis placcmcnt of this iiulepeiidcnt contact element (it). and to also stitlen or reinforce the. same, a supl'nn'ting strip is mounted on the taco of said element, adjacent to the linger as, (see Figs. 7 and 11). One cud of the rciniorciug strip 129 is bent at an angle, asal' 1:21, and pass s through an aperture formed in the end of the indii idual contact element and also through slots. iii. l oruud in the rear end cover 121*. ol the snitch (see Fig. ill. This strip not only rciul'or cs the contact plate to which it is atta hed, but by passing through the rear end switch cover 123. it also prevents the contact plate from turning. relative to its normal position.

The above description applies to the mechanical construction of the contact el ments of the magneto s stem, and, as will be explained hereinafter, a suitable operating button or clement is provided tor cllecting the closing and opening of the magneto circuit by actuating the finger 52?. into and out of contact with the individual contact element (50. V

The battery system of ignition i e ntrolled in somewhat similar manner to the magneto system. but (litters in certain rc spects in the mechanical construction of the various elements.

As will be seen by referring to Fig. .l, the button .21. which manually controls the single spark system of the battery ignition, provided with a ground connection ll). lly referring to Fig. ii, the contact plate 238 is shown as having the extemling arm 1536, the free end oil which will directly underlie the contact end of the button :51. This ontact plate is secured to a conuuon supporting element 104, by means of the binding post 132, which has substantially with said plate or element 104, asthe hindthe same connection V in posts 112 and 113 have, which has been in ly explained heretofore. However, in actual practice, this contact plate has an up positely extending arm 1.13, which in ta: ding'raimnatio figure. is represented by the contact )late 36. an id arm terminatin in the cnlargec head 13%. Two contact points are secured to this head portion, one of which is normally in cl sed position, with a contact point carried by the contact plate 35. he other contacl clclllulll. directly underlies the push button 70. so that upon the depression thereof, the main circuit of the batter system will be established while the holding coil circuit will he opened, thisopcration producing the \ihratinpi spark effect.

In the present type of switch, it should he understood that llna some is preferably up plied to Lhe (lush board or the vehicle, which in the typc of car known as the Cadillac, is composed cl uon-coiuluctire material. such as wood. This makes it possible to employ the switch casing; and buttons 12] and Y0, as a part. of the ride the null structure with a cou'unon counccliion. This common connection in the present instance, comprises a terminal post of substai iiially the same construction as the terminal posts 1'12 and 113. heretofore referred to and which is preferably located in the center of the switch and projects outwardly therefrom. This binding or termh rial post 115 is electrically C(illflflltd with the supporting plate 101, which in turn is connected in a similar manner to die frame of the switch.

When the above described unit structure is in its i'ioruial position and is assembled in the switch casing, the spring controlled dctcnt plate Hill is positioned so that one of its extending lobes or projections 12-1; will extend slightly over the. contact ends of the finger 58. When in this position, this lobe of the detent will also be in such position that a portion of the wriphcry will underlie the flanged head of the button 5!), while the other lohcs of the dctunl will be similarly positioned, relative to thc other push buttons 21 and 70. These msh buttons are mounted within housings, ormed in the switch casing, which contain a spring arrangemenh 125, lol' normally maintaining the plungcrs or buttons in their outward or inoperative positions The construction of the push buttons which control the magneto and battery circuits, and which are of substantially the same construction, will now he described. These plunger or button elements are slidably mounted in the switch casing 190, so that the enlarged build 124, which is don'iountable from the remainder of the button, irojccas out from the casing. The body of t 0 switch is constructed so that the :cuit, and therefore, to pro-.

sprin 125, may be mounted on the slmnl: of the p anger or button, said spring having the wall of the recessed portion or housin of the switch casing, as one abutment, and the shoulder 126, formed by the head )ortinn 12%, as its opposite abutment. his spring element 125 normullj tends to maintain the pu'sh button in an outward or inoperative position, relative to the contacts heretofore described. The operative end of each of these buttons comprises a flange 1'37, separated from the beveled flange or projection 128, by means of a groove 129. lhe extreme end portion of the plan er or tuition is. reduced, as at 130. It will e apparent, in view of the previous description, that if these buttons are depressed against the n'essurc of the coil spring 125, the beveled face of the projection 198 will Strike against the spring controlled detcnt 106 and force the dcteut out of its path, until such a time as the hereicd flange has passed by [he spring dctent. As soon as the beveled flange has passed the detent, the spring 10? returns the (latent to its normal position and will consequently engage in the groove 129, formed between the flange 12? and the beveled flange of the push button. hen the button is in depressed or operative posi- Lion, the extreme end thereof, presses aghinst one of the contact fingers and moves the came into engagement with its coiiperating indepeurlcnt contact plate. Thus it will be seen ,that the circuit which embodies this contact linger and the independent contact element, will be maintained in closed position until such a time as some means is ac- Lual'ed to release the detent from latched engagement with l'he push button or plunger. The peculiar construction of this dctcnt elementand the cooperating push buttons, makes it possible, by concurrently pressing in the independent. plunge-rs or buttons, for controlling the magneto and battery -circuits, to latch, simultaneously, both of said buttons in depressed position. This action will, of course, close the battery and mag neto circuits, whereby the engine to which the ignition system is attached, will [l e supplied with hut-h thcu zagnoto and .iattory type of ignition, com-urroutly. It ulill also appear that when ouc of the push buttons, as for instance, the button designated by [he numeral 21, is latched in depressed posi-.

tion, and the other button 5!) is depressed, the dctcut 1G6 will be so actuated by depressing the. button 59, that the button 21 will ho releascd from its latched position and also instantly returned to its normal position, by means of the spring This action is caused by the beveled flange on the button 59, engaging with tho adjacmit lobe of the detent. 1.00, and forcing the some out of latched position with the button 21. It will therefore be seen that when either the buttons 21 or 59 are actuated, the detent element 106 will first be forced into a releasing position, and will then return to a latching osition, relative to the button which has ust been completely depressed.

In Fig. 6, one embodiment of the button 70, which controls the opening and closing of the contact plates 35, 36, 71, 72, and 70. is shown, wherein it is necessary for the op erator to force the button into depressed. position and to maintain the same .therein, by continued pressure, for such a time as it is desired to procure the vibrating spark efl'ect. In this instance, the shank of this button is not provided with any beveled flange, but simply comprises a straight shank which will operate the above mentioned contact plates, in the manner described heretofore, when the button is depressed. I'IOWGVGI, it will be obvious that by constructin 'tlns button with the beveled flange, similar to the structl'lre of button 21 and 59, it will not be necessary for the operator to continue pressure on the button, after the same has once been completely depressed, inasmuch as the detent element will operate relative thereto to latch the same in depressed position. such a structure as this is shown in Fig. 6. However, even in the structure shown in Fig.6, there is a slight dilierence from that embodied in buttons 21 and 59, for the simple reason that it is practically never desirable to effect the release of any of the buttons which happen to be in latched position, by the depression of the button 70. The reason for this is that when it is de sired to bring the vibrating spark etlect into action to supplement any of the other types of ignition, it is generally only advisable to employ the vibrating spark effect a short pe riod, that is. until the special conditions which make the use of it necessary or desirable, have been overcome- One reason for not keeping the vibrating spark efiect in action, longer than is necessary, is because of the excessive amount of current which a system of this, type consumes. For this reason, the beveled flange on the button shown in Fig.6", is made of such diameter that while it will be of such conformation that it may be readily engaged by the detent, to

hold the button in latched position, it will not actuate the detent during its depression, sufiiciently to release the engagement of the detent with any of the other buttons which happen to be held in latched position.

i The operative end of the push button 70 is so constructed and arranged. relative to the detent, that when/the locking elements of the switch are operated, as described hereinafter, it will be impossible to depress the detent into operative position. In other words, the locking elements will cited. a

locking of the button 70, in a manner substantiallythe same as they effect the locking of the other push button elements.

Under certain conditions, it may be desirable to release all of the push buttons which may be in depressed position, so as to completely cut out the ignition system, as when it is desired to stop the engine. In order to permit tl1isi1ction and also in order to provide a locking element for the entire switch, so that all of the various which have connection with said switch may be permanently locked in open position, there is provided a supplemental push outton element which is constructed differently from the push buttons heretofore described. This element 131 comprises a head portion 131, reduced as at 133, to form ashoulder which will limit the inward movement of the button. The reduced portion 133 forms the shank of the button and is connected with a cylindrical part 133', having segments thereof, cut away, as at 135, and 136, so as to leave the projectin lug 137. On one side adjacent to one of the se mental cuts, there is a beveled face 142, the unction of which will be clearly described hereinafter.

In order to have some means, whereby the push button element 131, above described, may be maintained in its normal outward position, the element has an extended portion 138. upon which is mounted the coil spring, 139 and the washer 140, the washer 1+0 forming one abutment for aid spring, while the rear end cover 123, of the switch, forms the other abutment. In assembling this button, the rear end cover 123 is provided with an opening 141. which is in alinement with the extended portion 138. so that upon the depression of this push button. the extreme end of this element will a project through a short distance.

By constructing the push button element 131, in the form above described. it will be seen that when it is depressed, the beveled face 142, will engage with one of the lobes of the spring controlled detent and force the same out of operative or latching position and thereby release any of the push buttons which have been previously maintained in latched position. by the detent.

The above description relates to the recircuits leasing efl'ect of the button 131. when pressure is applied thereto, to effect a movement thereof, in the direction of its axis. llo'wever, by referring to Figs. 9 and 9, it will be'seen that if this button is oscillated when in its normal position. it will also effect the releasing of any of the buttons which are in depressed position.

Fig. 9 illustrates the button in its inoperative position, that is, in such position-that any of the other push buttons may be operated in the usual manner and will be held in depressed position, by operation of the detent 106, in the manner heretofore dcseribcd. However, when this button element is turned to the position shown in Fig. 9, it will be seen that the detent will be forced back against the normal tendency of the sprin p, 107, by the lug 137, of the cylindrical part 133 of the button. The extent to which the detent will he moved, will be sufficient to release any of. the buttons which have been previously hcld in latched position by thc dctcnt. This ltlt'ilfilllfl' ellcct is secured by turning the button one fourth of a. revolution, and it will be understood that it' thc button is turncd complctcly around, that is. a full onc halt' revolution, the detcnt will be pcrmittcd to return to such position that a portion of thc dctcnt will nmlcrlic thc longitudinal axis f each of [he controlling clcmcnts or buttons. and thus pre- \cut l'urlhcr operation thereof, until this relcasin; button has been turncd back. so that it rcsts in such position that thc arrow shown on thc face of the button in Fig. 2, will point do\\'nw.-|rdl toward the center ot'- the switch. at which time. the button will be in thc position shown in Fig. 9. This function of the element 131 is employed in the present instancc, in combination with a key locking; device which will lock the element 13] in its latching position and thus client a continued and positive locking of the detent element, in such position that it will be impossible to operate the circuit controlling buttons to closc.the circuit, until such time as this key locking device has been so opcratcd that thc button clement 131 may be turned around to open position and thus release the locking dctcnt and permit the same to bc actuated in thc usual manner. by the operation of thc controlling elements 21. 59 and T0.

In the present instance. it is necessary that the clement 131 be turned into latching or locked position, before it is possible to opcratc thc kcy locking device. but. as will hcrcinaftcr appear, certain modified arrangements of these elements and combinations of clcmcnts may be devised, which will obviate this neccssity.

liy referring to Figs. 4 and 5. certain parts of the key locking dcvicc are shown in locked and unlocked position. This device embodies a lock 150. preferably of the Yale type. which is located, stance, in the center of the switch. The key 151, which is illustrated in Fig. 4. when actuated to lock the switch, operates a cylinder element 145, in such amanner that the sliding arm H3, which is mounted on the supporting plate 104. is forced outwardly, so that thc projcction I53. carried thereby. is brought into the path of one of the lobes that. is, of

in the present inof the locking detent. The arm 14.3 is provided with a central slot 144, which fits over the studs 152 and 108. rigidly mounted on the plate 101. and which operate as guides for the arm H3.

In order that the assembling and operation of various parts of the switch unit may be facilitated, the detent clement is cut away as at 154.

In the embodiment of the switch heretofore described, it will be understood that the button 131 constitutes what may be termed a releasing and latching element, that is, by operating this button in the direction of its axis, or by depressing the same, the latching dctent 100 will be moved into releasing o sition, relative to the various controlling clcmcnts or push buttons of the switch. By turnin this clement. till on its axis, howcvcr, thcrc will first be secured the same releasing elicrt as was secured by the movement in alincmcnt with its axis, but upon a continued turning, of the buttonfthe latching dctcnt will be brought into such position that further buttons or controlling elements, will be prevented. until such time as the button 131 is returned to its normal position. When this releasing and latching element is in unlocked position. it will be possible for any one familiar with the operation of a switch of the kind embodied in the present system, to defeat the entire object of the switch,

a safety locking device to prevent the unauthorized use. of the ignition svstcm, by simply turning this element to its normal position. In the present instance, therefore. a positive key locking element is arranged. which is effective to maintain the latching detcnt clement 106 in the position into which it is brought by the operation of thc rclcasinp and locking element 131. It will therefor be seen that the releasing and latching elements permit the detent to as sumc such a position that the switch will be inoperative and that a portion of the key locking device is simply to prevent the return of the locking dctent to its normal )osition, without first unlocking the switch y means of the proper key.

By referring to- Figs. 13 and 14, a modified form of the locki arran ement disclosed in Figs 2, 4 am 5 is cearly illus trated. In this modified form. the central locking deviccrdesrribed and illustrated with respect to Figs. 2, 4 and 5, is eliminated and the releasing button 38:2, which controls the latching detcnt. is provided with mechanism whereby the lm'kinp; effect of the switch may be ctt'cctcd bv mcans of a key actuated mechanisi'n combined with the button 38:2. That is, in the present modification. the relcasc button 382 is constructed identically the same as the release button described in conoperation of the pushtion systems; of

nection with Figs. 9 and 9, except that the shank portion 360 is provided with an annular groove 361, within which is normally positioned a spring pressed plunger element 362. A cut-away portion 3% leads from said annular grooveand is of greater depth than the depth of said groove and normally is arranged to lie directly in alinement with the plunger 362, so that while the button may be depressed or pushed in, by exerting ressure against the button 382, it will be impossible to turn said button on its axis, without first inserting the key element 375, which upon being inserted within the opening formed in the center of the button element, will depress the plunger element 362, to such an extent that it will be possible to turn the entire button or controlling element 382, in order to effect, first, a release of all buttons which are in depressed position, and second, to lock or. prevent from operation, any of these buttons until the controlling element is returned to its normal or open position.

While the form of mechanism herein shown and described constitutes a preferred form of embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that other formsmight be adopted, all coming within the scope of the claims which follow.

What we claim is as follows:

1. In a system. for supplying ignition to combustion or explosion engines, the combi nation with a plurality of independent ignition systems; of controlling elements operable independently to bring the said ignition s stems into operation and means having provisions for maintaining the established systems in operative condition upon theactuation of certain of the controlling elements, regardless of the previous position of the unactuated controlling elements.

:3. in a system for supplying ignition to combustion or explosion engines, the combination with a plurality of independent ignicontrolling elements operable imhmendently to bring the various igni tion systems into operation; and latching means actuated by the controlling elements and adapted tomaintain the controlling elements in position to establish the ignition systems inoperative position.

3. In a system for supplying ignition to combustion or explosion en ines, the combi* nation with a plurality of ignition systems; of controlling elements operable independently and concurrently to establish any of the ignition systems independently, and certain of the systems concurrently ;'and means operable by each of the controlling elements for maintaining the ignition system in operative condition when once established by the controlling element.

4. In a system for supplying ignition to the comignition sysfor establishcombustion or explosion engines, bination with a plurality of tems; of controlling elements ing and dis-establishing said systems; and means for maintaining said systems in es tablished position when the controlling elements are operated concurrently, said means being operable toyelease any established system, when actuated by a controlling element operated to independently establish a different system.

5. In a system for supplying ignition to combustion or explosion engines, the combination with a plurality of ignition systems; independent controlling elements for said systems; and means operable by said controlling elements for maintaining all of said circuits in operative condition, when the controlling elements are actuated concurrently.

6. In a system for supplying ignition to combustion or explosion engines, the combination with a plurality of independent ignition systems; of controlling elements operable independently to bring the various ignition systems into operation; means actuated by the controlling elements to maintain the systems in established condition; and a common means operable to release any of the established systems.

7. In a system for supplying ignition to combustion or: explosion engines, the combination withma-gneto and battery ignition systems of a selective switch having independent ntrolling elements for closing said attery system and for establishing the etc system; means for maintaining sai ,c rolling elements in their closing or establishing positions; and a common means for releasing any of said controlling elee ments from their operative position.

8. In a system for supplying combustion and explosion engines with 1 ition, the combination with a plur'alit of ignition systems; of means for control in each of said systems; and means capable 0t movement in one direction to release all established systems and in another direction to maintain all of said systems in inoperative p sition.

9. In a system for supplying coin ust ion and explosion engines with 1 nitiri-n, he combination with a plurality of ignition stems; of means for controlling each of said systems; and means capable o movement'in one direction to release all established systems from operative position and of a'furthermovement in a difi'erent direction to maintain said systems in inoperative position. l

10. In a system for supplying combustion and explosion engines with ignition, the combination with a plurality of ignition systems; of means for controlling each of said systems; and means capable of reciprocating maintain said push buttons in niovemenit to release all established systems .teins'; of a series of cooperating-contact and of an oscillatory movement/to maintain said systems in their released position.

11. In a systemfor supplying combustion and explosion engines with 1gnition, rthe combination with a plurality of ignition systems; of means for controlling each of said'systnis;- and means capable of an initialosc'illatory movement to release all established systems and of a further oscillatory movement to maintain said systems in their released position.

12. In a system for supplying combustion and explosion engines with ignition, the combination with aplurality of ignition systems; of means for controlling each of said systems; and means capable of movement in one direction to release all established systems from their operative position and of a further movement to latch said systems in inoperative position; and locking means operable to prevent the operation of the controlling means. i

13. In a system for supplying combustion and explosion engines with ignition, the combination with a plurality of ignition systems; of independent means for controlling each of said systems; and means'capable of aHoSClllfltOlY movement to release all estab lished systems; and key actuated locking means operable only subsequent tothe oscillatory movement of the means for latching said systems in their inoperative position to lock the systems in this position.

14. In a system for supplying ignition to combustion or explosion engines, the combination with a plurality of independent ignition systems; of push buttons operable independently to bring the said ignition systems into operation; and detent means cooperating with said push buttons tomaintain the established systems in operative conditionyregardless of the previous position of theotlrercontrolling elements. V 15. Ina'system for supplying-ignitionto combustitin'or explosion engines,- the com. bination with a plurality of ignition sysplatesinc'luded in the different lgnition sys ems; a plurality of push buttonwelements controlling said seriesof contact plates; and spring-pressed detent means normally 'un-J derlying saidpush buttons and operablelto position to close "the contact plates;

16; In a system 'for supplying ignitiomto combustion or explosion 'engines, the com-1. bination' with" a plurality of ignitione sys-. terns; of a series of-"cooperatingv; contact: plates included in said ignition" system-1g. push button elements having Bx beveled: flange; and a shnnlr portion otvless diiametens than sa irl heveled'flange; and sprirrgpressedm detents underlying the beveled-flanged said push buttons, whereby the new,

with an ignit on circuit;

. 1 actuated when the spush. buttonslaifiorced inwardly, 1b .thebeveleduflangeoi sea pp 1; buttons an 'areretuunedto alatc'hi sition relative to said flange when the ea is has passed the detent thus la ching th 1 .115114 buttons -in positionlto closethc contacts of the ignition systems,

In :a system of electrical distribution, the combination with a pluralv i 0f circuits; .of a series of push buttonsop rahl t $52 tablish and dis-establish the various circuits; means operable to release all of the push buttons which are imposition toestablish circuits, said meanshaving rovisions for latching said push buttons n released position; and key actuated means or locking said last named means and said provisions in latching position, whereby said push buttons will be maintained in position to dis-establish said circuits.

18. Inc, system of electrical distribution, the combination with a plurality ofcircuits;

of a series of push buttons operable to establish and dis-establish the various circuits; means operable to release all of the push buttons which are in position to establish ,cir cuits, said means having provisions for latching said push buttons in released position; and independent key actuated means for locking said last named means and said m;

-v1sions in latching position whereby said push buttons will be maintained imposition to dis-establish said circuits. J

19. In a push button switch rthe combination with a circuit controlling tonsyhaving a normal position and a"c1rcuit making position; means for latching said' push buttons in circuit-making position; and a, releasing button for releasin the circuit controllingbuttons irom latche -i n position v said releasing button having provisions brought into effect. by a ,furthenimovemcnt oivwthevreleasing buttonior lock n the cir: cuit controlling buttons in ,unlatcild pos -r tion.

20; In an igHilLlODSySt-BIQ, the combination of,a controlling button for'said circuit; and a looking but;

ton rotatable,on,-its; axis to; release the con-1 trolling buttonironr circuit closing position,

and then tolock said controlling button in its circuit breaking position 21. ,In an gu tionsy em, thacom jnimioa with. an ignition lcireuit, of a ,con ro button .of said circuit, ingsnd a circuitclosingpqsition g a lock push but- 100 having a circuit open;

controllimg button .from circuit closing posi opening positiom only when said batten has been rotated.

and a circuit closin position; and a locking 'tion.

3 button operable ei er byv depression or by rotation to release the qontrolling button from circuit closing position.

23. In an ign ition system, the combination with an ignition circuit, of a controlling but- Lo 't on therefor having a circuit opening and circuit closing position; and a locking tton opemblo by depression to release the controlling button from Gilfillit .lQEifi 1395i tlon and rotatable on its aXiB to 36k $12 99% trolling button in its circuit opening posi- In testimony wh reof we affix oui' Signm tures in the presence of two subsoz'ib ng wlt= messes.

OHARLES F, KETTE' ING, WILLIAM A. GHRYET, Witnesses Josm'll W. MCDONALD, Wnmmz W. Rmunn. 

